There's a sucker born everyday...

...good thing today's wasn't me. It almost was. Really, Clint and I almost did something foolish, but we didn't. We went to the car dealership to get a part and decided to go look at cars. I could probably end the story right there and you would know the rest. I will, however, continue.

A few years ago we had a perfect Ford Expedition that we loved. It was roomy and wonderful. When gas prices hit $5/gallon, we decided "wonderful" was no longer the appropriate adjective. It was killing us, sucking our bank account dry, costing us a fortune, and basically non-economical. We made the decision to trade it in for a crossover vehicle to save on gas. We bought a new car and it saved us a ton on gas. Mission accomplished. However, I don't really like my car. It's fine, but my kids fight when they sit that close, and we can't take extra people with us, so I have been rallying to get another Expedition for a year. It's silly, but it's true.

Today, there were 4 Expeditions on the lot. Our requirements were 1) Back-Up Sensors, 2)Entertainment System and 3) Leather Seats. None of the 4 on the lot had all three requirements, so we thanked our salesman and headed off. As we were walking to the car, he saw one glorious new arrival at the back of the lot. He said, "I haven't seen that one yet, but it looks like it has the back-up sensors, come with me and let's go check it out." We did. It hadn't been detailed yet, but it was perfect. 4 years old and 38,000 miles. We didn't want to spend a bunch of money because we knew we'd be selling it in a few years when we move overseas, so we went inside the office. After 2 hours of haggling, we realized we were in a sales office about to buy a car when all we went for was a part. I wanted to cry a little because, I really want a new car. The salesman was offering us a low payment, more than our trade-in was worth, and a great price on the new car. Adding 5 more years of car payments just didn't seem all that glorious. We had to steal our keys back from the car appraiser to get out of there, but we managed to do so.

So here we are, no new car, no new car payment. We're feeling ok about that...but I still really want that car, even though I don't need it.

Is that a rhetorical question?

Many times, I find that you leave me a comment (which I love) in the form of a question. I don't really know how to answer you because I have my doubts that you will come back to my blog, to that specific post and see if I've replied, so here you go. Answers:

• A few nights ago, I bribed ALL my kids (unsuccessfully) to go to sleep.
• Clint has just a few more weeks before full-time in WA.
• Yes, I have read "Eats, Shoots and Leaves." And, yes, I love it.
• Earl Anthony is a professional bowler, and no, I don't actually know him.
• The Academy of Dance.
• The glue held Carson's head together nicely and there is barely a scar.
• Yes, my brother was endorsing Spanglish.
• I did not major in English, however if I decide to go back to school, that will probably be my first choice.
• The Point 'N Paint is on clearance at Staples for $11 this week.
• Cambria's "beat down" Sunday was not a big deal, just pretty funny that the walk to primary was so heinous.

That's all the answers I have for you. My brain is tired. Keep the comments coming, I love 'em!

Check it off the list.

I know Clint loves being put right to work when he arrives, so I generally try to make him happy and just make the assignments. This week he really wanted to get the garage/workshop all set up, so he is building some shelves above the garage door. Just made a plan, bought the wood and got it done. He's what you might call a "select stud."

Bedtime compromises.

My kids have been quite a struggle during the bedtime hour lately. Just getting them to stay in their rooms has been its own monster challenge. I finally told them I didn't care where they slept, just as long as it was in their own room. I guess everyone decided Carson's bed was the best option. Whatever.

Delicious, but no flippin' way is it nutritious.

We picked up Clint from the airport today and went to lunch at Red Robin. I love that place. The seasoning salt for the fries is quite possibly made from actual bits of heaven. We saw a little ad on the table tent for a burger named the Mediterranean. It involved feta cheese, artichoke spinach dip, garlic mayo, tomato, lettuce and a big fat burger. A tasty situation indeed. I had to order just to see if it was any good. Well, let me tell you, it was. Each delectable bite complimented my heaven-seasoned fries like magic. I will clearly have to limit crazy calories tomorrow, but today was worth every single bite. Oh and next time, I'm trying this-

It's the new "Wise Guy Burger." Marinara, mozzarella sticks, banana peppers, tomato and pepperoni. It sounds so crazy that it might just be delicioso!

A Poem

Today was filled with so much fun, I'm sure you won't believe;

Cambo went to preschool and didn't want to leave.

I had to make a quick return up to the Kitsap Mall;

I didn't buy a single thing, nothing large nor small.

I cleaned the car, I cleaned the sink, I made lunches for the kids;

I walked the dog, I changed the sheets, I promise, I really did.

Now I'm off to do laundry, my favorite chore of all;

Clothes were so much more fun to fold when my kids were small.

You see, my days are not so thrilling and are not always fun;

However, I don't mind so much, I know it's got to be done.

My husband arrives in the morning to spend a week at home;

A nice break for him and also for me, it's been hard here on my own.

So this is what I blog about when there's nothing to report;

A little of this, a little of that, random thoughts of a random sort.

Enjoy your weekend, blogstalkers, I don't know what I'll have to share;

But trust me on this, I promise to post something about which you might care.

More Pomp and Circumstance

Tomorrow marks Navy graduation number 4 for Clint. Who knew you could graduate that many times after college? He's a smartypants, that husband of mine, and I'm proud of him!

OCS - Pensacola, FL

SWOS - Newport, RI

Nuclear Power School -

Goose Creek, SC

I don't have a picture for tomorrow's Postgraduate School festivities, but I imagine he'll look something like the following picture. And, yes, I plan on wearing my same outfit too. Here, at home, while I watch Oprah and eat BonBons. I love you Clint, congratulations on your graduation, wish we could be there!

Oh no she didn't!

Yes...I did. Turns out I am one of those moms.


Tonight was the Raingutter Regatta for Cub Scouts. Gavin and I worked hard on making his boat cool and sea-worthy. He got a chance to race his boat 5 times and he won every time. That's right, our boat...I mean, his boat was undefeated. Applaud for us, we need the recognition. Flash forward to awards.

I knew that Gavin's boat was undefeated so I was holding the camera steady for his First Place ribbon. He got Second. Wait, what? Second? How can you get Second Place without losing? I don't know what kind of elimination the judges used, but it clearly wasn't the right kind, because Gavin never raced the first place winner. I kept my cool, because frankly, there is no need to make a scene (a large one, anyway). Although, being that I am from competitive genes, I had to make things right. I piped up, "Gavin why don't you go race your boat against the first place winner, you never raced him." Not obnoxious, but loud enough that the "judges" could hear me. Those boys raced and my boy won. Thank you very much. I will be heading over to the Scout shop in the morning to get my kid his first place ribbon.

I'm on it.

Cambria asked me for a napkin today, so I handed her one. I watched what she was doing with it because she had no food or drink, nor did she have a runny nose. She walked over to the door, bent down, and smooshed a spider. Highly impressed, I asked, "Did you just kill a spider?" She said, "Yeah, I got it." She's a girly girl, but she can certainly hang with the boys!

Did the dew

Mom: Carson, what happened to your elbow?

Carson: I was ridin' the mountain dew and I fell.

Mom: Where?

Carson: [indignantly] At. The. Mountain. Dew.

Mom: Oh, um, ok, just checking.

Another spray paint opportunity; or maybe a crow bar.

What I now want to know is this: Who is Floor and what is her inc? Perhaps I should go inside that establishment and I will find the answers.

Move over, Earl Anthony

That's right, my friends, it's bowling season! The boys are all signed up on their league to perfect their bowling prowess. Today was just practice, but watch out next week, they will school you if you come their way!

experimenting without direction

Cambria needed a little bag to put her dance stuff in. I didn't want to buy one because I am feeling very crafty this week, so I decided to make one. I went to the fabric store to scope out a cute pattern to make my inexpensive bag. I then discovered that said pattern would be $14.95. Hello, how is that an inexpensive route to go? I scrapped that idea and just went to buy fabric and decided to wing it, sans pattern. It worked out swimmingly and the bag was so cute, I made another one today! Love it!

It's Cambria week

This week has been all about Cambria. I guess it's because the boys are gone all day and I have nothing else to take pictures of. I promise there will be more pictures and such about the boys soon. But these are too sweet to pass up. I learned how to make a crazy fluffy tutu this week and had to give it a try. I adore it.

creepy little things

These little fellas are everywhere in our yard. Tiniest frogs I've ever seen and they just seem to hippity hop wherever they please. I have included the following picture as a reference for their actual size. That's my finger, just in case you didn't know.

Cambria's favorite pasttime is collecting them in water bottles, or bubble bottles, or her hands, or in her pockets...well, you get the idea. It's not my favorite thing at all. Thanks Aunt Katie, she's totally your niece.